Run Melbourne is more than just a “fun run”. It is an opportunity to give, by raising funds for a cause close to our hearts.

Run Melbourne is a great way for our supporters to promote healthy living and fitness, participate in a major community event, and raise funds for our cause.

A team of volunteers from VEWSA will be taking part in the 5km and 10km distances. Their goal is to raise as much funds as they possibly can.

Mission

Our mission is to grow and take our sports all over Victoria, to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

VEWSA is seeking financial support as our lack of funding has a direct impact on our capacity to run programs and provide opportunities to members. Funding received will be used for much needed sports equipment, modifications to wheelchair guards, starting more leagues around the state and/or transport to events. We truly believe that sport can have a positive impact on people with a disability.

About VEWSA

Victorian Electric Wheelchair Sports Association Inc. (VEWSA) is a community based, non-profit association run by volunteers, parents and players. We are the only organisation in Victoria to provide sporting activities for people who use an electric wheelchair for functional mobility. Our journey started in the early 1980’s at special schools around the state. In 1989, we became a registered non-profit incorporated organisation and in 2000 we became endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. This year, our state team ‘Warriors’ were Australian hockey champions for the 25th time, out of a possible 32.

VEWSA oversees the local and state teams. The state teams attend up to three events every year, National Electric Wheelchair Sports (N.E.W.S.), Powerchair Football Nationals and the Club Championships. Powerchair Hockey and Football are also played Internationally with an Australian team attending the third Powerchair Football World Cup in July 2017.

VEWSA is unable to adequately promote the sport to the public, beyond its Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/VEWSA) and website ( www.vewsa.org.au). Despite VEWSA’s important role in providing sporting and recreational opportunities for players with a disability, and our participation in national events, we receive little official or financial support. Everything is organised and paid for by the athletes and their families. For example, specialised sports wheelchairs cost in excess of $15,000. Athletes have to pay their own way to the National Championships, which equates to an approximate additional expense of $2000 per year, per event for an athlete and their carer to attend (with three National Championships per year).